"Much of what we produce goes to the EU market, and even outside the EU, but in Spain, our main reference is Mercadona." When it comes to supermarket sales volumes, Frusana and Sanlúcar have already become indispensable in the entire country. This, in practice, entails many things. "When we trade anywhere in Europe, we explain that all of Mercadona's sweet potatoes are supplied by us, with the exception of those sold in stores in the Canary Islands. This helps us gain their trust," says Rodríguez. "Our agreement with Mercadona makes it much easier for us to sell overseas."
Mercadona has been working directly with Frusana since 2013. In 2017, 1,500 tons of sweet potatoes were purchased from Frusana, and in this season, which will end in late February, this figure is expected to reach 1,700 tons. "You have to think that sweet potatoes are not like potatoes or tomatoes, which are bought every day. Sweet potatoes are a more special product." In Europe, many people still don't know how to cook them.
Sanlúcar has great conditions for the production of sweet potatoes, mostly because of the weather. Frusana's goals are challenging, but its efforts are helping the cooperative become more competitive than ever. Moreover, Sanlúcar also has the ideal sort of soil; a finer one that makes the washing process easier. The skin of sweet potatoes is thin, so if the crop was produced in thicker, more compact soil, the outer appearance would be affected.
Source: diariodecadiz.es
